Chapter 1598: Chapter 1598: No Regrets Even in Death
"You should leave; if you can’t hold on, just leave the North Abyss Misty Plain as soon as possible," Zhuang Ping’an said to Lv Junran and the others.
Lv Junran glanced at Mu Hanyan, but ultimately said nothing, and walked out in a daze.
He had thought that with the Bloodline Awakening and advancement to the Great Sword Master Realm, he would surely be able to redeem his past shame when facing Mu Hanyan again. Even if he couldn’t defeat her, he believed they could at least fight on equal footing, enough to restore his former dignity. But who would have guessed, one sword, still just one sword, and he was defeated, even worse than the last time.
He knew he would never surpass Mu Hanyan; he would never have the chance for revenge in this lifetime.
The other young cultivators also hung their heads and followed Lv Junran out of the valley.
"Junior Sister Mu, thank you." Ye Fengyun had refined his Dan Power, stood up, and said to Mu Hanyan.
Recalling the power of that sword Mu Hanyan had wielded just now, a sense of self-loathing rose in his heart again. However, the words "friend" from Mu Hanyan stirred his emotions, making him feel that everything he had done before was worth it, even if he died by Lv Junran’s sword, there would still be no resentments or regrets.
"Senior Brother Ye, if you don’t mind, you can call me Han Yan," Mu Hanyan said with a warm smile.
Seeing the smile on her face, Ye Fengyun was momentarily lost, but quickly regained his composure, smiling and nodding his head.
"Let’s rest in the valley tonight and depart tomorrow." Mu Hanyan didn’t notice the subtle change in Ye Fengyun’s expression and said to Zhuang Ping’an and the others.
Ye Lanfeng was accompanying them on this adventure this time, but would not easily intervene, nor meddle in other matters, so naturally, Mu Hanyan had to give the orders.
"Good." Zhuang Ping’an and the others were overjoyed; from today’s travels, they could tell they were quite exhausted.
Soon, everyone had set up camp and lit a bonfire.
Previously, Ye Lanfeng had spoken about the power of the Exotic Beasts on the North Abyss Misty Plain, so they did not dare be careless. After setting up camp, they carefully searched the valley, fearful of any hidden dangers.
"Young Master Mu, come quickly, there seems to be a cave abode here!" Zhuang Ping’an’s excited voice called out from not far away.
Hearing his shout, everyone brightened up. The so-called cave abode referred to the dwelling place of hermits who secluded themselves to cultivate, usually located where Heaven and Earth Power concentrated; not only greatly beneficial for cultivation, but possibly containing Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. If luck was on their side, they might even find weapons, magic artifacts, or cultivation secret manuals left by past powerful cultivators.
The Beiyuan Fog Abyss was not a place ordinary cultivators could visit; even Sword Saints could not stay long. For a cultivator to build a cave abode here, their strength must be unimaginable. Finding their relics would certainly be a great fortune.
Soon, everyone followed the sound and gathered before a rock cliff.
Unlike many hermits’ crude cave abodes, the one before them was exquisitely built, with intricately carved patterns on the stone gates, pleasing to the eye; evidently, the owner’s taste was refined.
Of course, the taste was not what mattered, but having such leisure on the North Abyss Misty Plain further demonstrated the person’s exceptional strength.
"Young Master Mu, shall we open it and take a look?" Zhuang Ping’an asked Mu Hanyan, swallowing his saliva.
"Don’t act rashly, we don’t know whose cave abode this is or if they’ve left the North Abyss Misty Plain. If they’re still here, breaking into their cave abode would be disastrous," Sang Qinghe said cautiously.
Everyone turned their gaze to Mu Hanyan, filled with both anticipation and worry.
Mu Hanyan’s feelings mirrored theirs; discovering such a cave abode naturally invoked curiosity about its contents and the hope of gaining benefits. But if the owner was still there, it would not be worth the risk.
"Let’s open it and see; the cave abode’s owner has surely left," Ye Yanran suddenly said.
"How do you know?" Mu Hanyan asked curiously.
"Look at the dust ahead, and the sand in the door crevices; no one’s opened this door for at least several years; the owner likely left or encountered some accident," Ye Yanran stated succinctly.
Mu Hanyan patted her forehead; Ye Yanran was right. The ground before the cave abode was covered in dust, and even the stone gate crevices were filled with sand, evidently unused for years. They had hesitated for nothing.
Being a female thief by origin, Ye Yanran was far more experienced than them when it came to breaking in.
"Let’s quickly open it and see," Zhuang Ping’an said eagerly.
As he spoke, he formed hand gestures. Cave abodes like this were invariably protected by prohibitions, and this one was no exception. Zhuang Ping’an and the others could sense the presence of the seal.
"Wait, let me do it," Mu Hanyan said.
Zhuang Ping’an heard this with a slight chill, realizing he was too excited and somewhat reckless. This was not the cultivation cave abode of an ordinary powerful cultivator; from its location alone, one could imagine its owner’s strength. If something went wrong and activated a defensive array, it wasn’t something Zhuang Ping’an could endure.
Zhuang Ping’an stepped back quickly, feeling gratitude as he gazed at Mu Hanyan’s graceful silhouette.
Taking two steps forward, Mu Hanyan slowly performed the Seven Stars Seal Breaking Technique. Knowing the owner’s prowess, she dared not be careless, moving cautiously and fearing any mistakes.
However, to everyone’s surprise, Mu Hanyan had just formed a few hand gestures when a brilliant light appeared before them and the stone gate opened with a heavy creaking sound on its own.
No need for Mu Hanyan to act; anyone among these hundred or so people could easily open it.
"What is happening?" Zhuang Ping’an asked in confusion.
"Could it be a trap?" Sang Qinghe said with some anxiety.
"Let’s go in and see?" Mu Hanyan felt puzzled, but it wouldn’t do to be too suspicious and frightened away; she was the first to step inside.
This cave abode was extremely spacious, complete with a living room, study, bedroom, and also a guest room carved out; the Beiyuan Fog Abyss was so desolate, who did he prepare the guest room for, remains unknown.
The earlier judgment seemed correct; the cave abode’s owner was indeed refined, living without any negligence even while secluded in the North Abyss Misty Plain.
But contrasting with the ornate door, everything inside seemed rather chaotic, as if the owner had left in a great hurry.
Initially anxious, everyone found no immediate danger upon entering and began to explore. Yet knowing the owner’s prowess, they dared not simply rummage about.
"Han Yan, come see this!" Yue Fanchen said suddenly to Mu Hanyan, with an unusually grave expression.
Seeing his serious demeanor, everyone gathered around.
Comments